Turkey, Germany urge for cease-fire in Russia-Ukraine war

Turkey and Germany on Monday jointly called for a cease-fire as soon as possible in Russia’s aggression on Ukraine.

The call came amid Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Turkey for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It marked his first official visit to the country since he took office in December.

“We will steadfastly continue the efforts for a permanent cease-fire. Turkey will do its best to bring together both parties,” Erdoğan told a joint press conference following the talks in the capital Ankara. He said they agreed that diplomatic efforts must continue.

“We attach importance to working in close cooperation with Germany on regional matters. The recent developments in our region have proven that Turkey has a key role in many areas, security and energy in particular,” he noted.

For his part, Scholz said, “we are in complete agreement that the violent military conflict in Ukraine must be condemned and that there must be a cease-fire as soon as possible.”

Safe corridors for civilians must be established immediately, he added.

“We as two NATO allies have reaffirmed our shared views and concerns (on the Russia-Ukraine issue). We have agreed that diplomatic efforts for a resolution should be sped up while taking necessary measures for the security of Europe,” Erdoğan said.

Scholz also noted that both Turkey and Germany have supported Ukraine and thanked Ankara for closing the Bosporus — the strait controlled by Turkey that acts as a passage between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea — to warships.

“Talks are good, but we must fast achieve results that lead to a cease-fire. Turkey closing Bosporus Strait to warships was an important step,” he said.